This is in response to a story in the Sun Journal, Nov. 14, about a legally blind Rumford man who pleaded guilty to stealing items from his neighbor.

I am a member of the National Federation of the Blind of Maine, a consumer organization of blind people and their sighted supporters whose intention is to make it possible for blind people to live independent, integrated lives as much as possible.

The article regarding Charles Hamilton saddens me considerably.

Unfortunately, the legal establishment and Hamilton used stereotypes regarding the blind that responsible blind people have been trying to show are just not accurate. Hamilton seems to have the idea that, because he is blind, the consequences of his criminal behavior should be lessened for him.

Times are hard for everyone, blind or sighted. The unemployment rate among the blind is much higher than the national average. However, I believe that with proper training and opportunity, most blind people can be responsible adults with good employment.

Many do rely on Social Security disability insurance for at least some of our income, but most of us are law-abiding, responsible citizens who expect to be treated on an equal basis with the sighted.

The blatant use of negative stereotypes by Hamilton and the legal establishment makes it harder for the rest of us who are trying to do the right thing.

In my opinion, Hamilton should have been punished to the full extent the law allows.

Mark Tardif, Grand Isle